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Aston Martin to revive Lagonda exclusively in the MidEast

Aston Martin, the British luxury car maker part-owned by Kuwait’s Investment Dar, has announced it is to revive the long discontinued Lagonda model and will release it exclusively in the Middle East.

Although the discontinued four-door saloon received mixed reviews, with Time magazine and Bloomberg Business Week placing it at the top of their ugliest and worst car lists, it successfully pulled the company out of its cash rut in the mid 1970s when Aston Martin needed something to bring in much needed funds.

The hand-built, ultra-expensive sedan, previously built between 1976 - 1990, returned under the spotlight about five years ago when it was introduced through the Lagonda Concept, a sporty SUV proclaimed to be a more luxurious alternative to the popular Porsche Cayenne.

The SUV concept is clearly behind us as the British luxury car manufacturer confirmed a bespoke super saloon will carry the Lagonda nameplate in a strictly limited series production from early 2015.

The four-door grand tourer will be offered for sale by invitation only and, while precise pricing details remain confidential, Aston Martin states that the asking price will reflect the car’s exclusivity and luxurious nature.

According to a report from CAR magazine, the Lagonda will carry a 5,935-cc, V-12 engine with an output of about 600 horsepower and will ride atop the same VH platform as the Rapide that is properly stretched to fit the longer body.

Production will be limited to about 100 units and it will be hand-built at Aston Martin’s manufacturing facilities in Gaydon, Warwickshire in a dedicated building previously given over to the creation of the One-77 hypercar.

Aston Martin Design Director Marek Reichman said: “The debut of this luxury super saloon in the Middle East market will be an exciting moment not only for Aston Martin, but for discerning customers who are seeking the ultimate in luxury and personalisation.

“The new model, like its exclusive siblings the One-77 and V12 Zagato, has been created as a piece of exceptional automotive art. It has been designed and developed entirely in keeping with the spirit and ethos of previous Lagonda super saloons – notably the William Towns Lagonda – and as a tribute to this car it proudly bears the Lagonda nameplate.”